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Research area

Photonics and optoelectronics

Doctor Katrina Morgan conducting research into novel glass beneath a microscope.

Our research covers optical fibres, nanophotonics and metamaterials, and photonics systems, circuits and sensors. We have helped to develop critical technologies including the optical fibres and amplifiers that power the Internet, and the fibre lasers that are used in applications such as medicine, defence, renewable energy and manufacturing.

Research highlights

Zoomed in view of a hand holding a 5D memory crystal between two fingers. The memory crystal is a small clear disc with diagrams of human DNA on the surface.

Preserving DNA in everlasting memory crystals

Digital
Future societies and communities
Environment, sustainability and clean growth
Scientists at the University of Southampton have successfully stored the full human genome (or complete set of DNA) onto a 5D memory crystal – an achievement which could hold the key to restoring life after extinction.

Fitting an entire library into the palm of your hand

AI, big data and analytics
Digital
Future societies and communities
Scientists at the Optoelectronics Research Centre have developed a digital data storage solution that can contain the complete history of human knowledge – and is able to survive for billions of years.
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Using optical fibres to create a sustainable fuel supply

Environment, sustainability and clean growth
Future societies and communities
Multidisciplinary team has found a way to turn water into hydrogen fuel using optical fibres.
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Research institutes, centres and groups

Nanophotonics Group

We perform fundamental optical physics and materials research. This is critical for the discovery and development of new and improved optoelectronic technologies.

Advanced Solid-State Sources

The Advanced Solid-State Sources group develops novel approaches for scaling output power from lasers for use in a variety of applications including industrial manufacturing, medicine and defence.

Fibre Bragg Gratings

We design and fabricate passive and active periodic fibre devices, including fibre Bragg gratings, for a variety of applications in photonics.

High Power Fibre Lasers

The High Power Fibre Laser group, led by Professor Johan Nilsson, works on advanced fibre lasers for beam combination and sensing for lidar and net-zero aviation (pollution monitoring).

Integrated Photonic Devices

Exploiting optical interactions at surfaces for bio/chemical analysis.

Nonlinear Semiconductor Photonics

We explore the development and optimization of new semiconductor material platforms for application in nonlinear photonics.

Computational Nonlinear Optics

We develop theoretical models and computer simulations for a wide range of photonics systems, such as optical fibres, integrated waveguides, and quantum technology.

Planar Waveguide and Slab Lasers

We specialise in developing novel photonic materials, waveguide devices, and laser systems for application in remote sensing, defence, manufacturing, and metrology.

Physical Optics

The Physical Optics Group is led by Professor Peter Kazansky. Research activities in the group are focused on adventurous and potentially high impact research in optics, quantum and physical electronics.

Gas Photonics in Hollow Core Fibres 

Hollow core fibres enable gas-light interactions over extended lengths, opening up diverse applications in high sensitivity gas sensing, novel wavelengths generation, and waveguide enhancement.

Smart Lasers and Special Fibres

Our research vision is to revolutionise manufacturing in the digital era by developing the next generation of ‘smart’ fibre laser tools for medical and biosciences sectors.

Pulsed Fibre Lasers

We specialise in developing pulsed laser technology for use in medicine, defence, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

Optical Fibre Sensors and Devices

Our group develops a variety of innovative optical fibre devices and sensors.

Quantum Theory and Technology

We explore the ultimate limits of light-matter interaction in nanophotonic devices, aiming to unlock the potential for advancements in quantum material engineering and high-precision sensing.

Fibres and Communications

We develop new fibre technologies and explore their applications in areas including communications, sensing, lasers, materials processing and imaging.

Optical Fibre Communications

We find new ways to use and apply optical technologies in telecommunications.

Advanced Fibre Applications

We are dedicated to exploring advanced applications of cutting-edge optical fibres, with a special emphasis on hollow core fibres. These fibres are designed and fabricated by the Zepler Institute Microstructured Fibre group, while our group focuses on aspects of these newly-emerging fibres from the ‘user perspective’.

Multimode Photonics

Our research encompasses both fundamental optical physics as well as the design, fabrication and testing of fibre-based and on-chip devices for a broad range of applications.

Distributed Optical Fibre Sensing

We design and develop novel optical fibre sensors capable of measuring temperature, strain, and vibration at thousands of points using a single strand of optical fibre.

Advanced Laser Laboratory

Advanced Laser Laboratory is a joint TRUMPF Laser UK and Optoelectronics Research Center (ORC) lab lead by Dr C. Codemard (TRUMPF) and Prof. M.N. Zervas (ORC) imbedded in the ORC, addressing fundamental fibre laser research issues.

Ultrafast X-ray Group

Our group uses high-intensity femtosecond lasers to generate very short (attosecond) pulses of coherent extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and soft X-ray radiation. This radiation can be used for imaging and spectroscopy at very small dimensions (

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Research facilities

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